How you wear your hair is part of your identity—and that identity deserves respect in the workplace. Unfortunately, hairstyle discrimination continues to affect employees across Atlantic City, particularly individuals from Black and minority communities. Whether it’s pressure to change natural hair, restrictions on braids or locs, or outright bias, these actions may be unlawful. At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we’re here to help protect your rights and your individuality at work.
What Is Hairstyle Discrimination?
Hairstyle discrimination occurs when an employer penalizes or treats an employee unfavorably because of their natural hair or hairstyle associated with race, ethnicity, or culture. Common targets of such discrimination include protective styles like afros, braids, twists, dreadlocks, Bantu knots, and cornrows.
Examples include:
- Denying a job opportunity due to a candidate’s natural or styled hair
- Imposing grooming policies that disproportionately impact certain racial groups
- Pressuring employees to straighten, cut, or cover their hair
- Making derogatory comments about someone’s hairstyle
- Firing or disciplining employees based solely on their hair texture or style
Legal Protections Against Hairstyle Discrimination
New Jersey is among the states that recognize the link between hairstyle discrimination and racial discrimination. Under the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) now explicitly protects natural hairstyles and textures from employment discrimination.
This means employers cannot enforce grooming or appearance standards that discriminate based on hair associated with race or ethnicity, and employees have legal recourse if they face such treatment.
Recognizing Discrimination in the Workplace
Hairstyle discrimination may be subtle or direct. Watch for signs like:
- Being told your hairstyle is “unprofessional” or “inappropriate” without justification
- Grooming codes that disproportionately affect certain racial or ethnic groups
- Disciplinary action or job loss after wearing a cultural or natural hairstyle
- Pressure to alter your hair to fit a company’s image
If you’ve experienced any of these, it’s time to speak with a legal professional.
How Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Can Help
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is a respected employment law firm in New Jersey focused on Protecting Your Rights. We’ve represented clients in Atlantic City and across the state in cases involving racial and hairstyle discrimination. Our attorneys are experienced in handling violations under NJLAD and the CROWN Act and are prepared to help you seek compensation, justice, and policy change in your workplace.
Your heritage and self-expression should never be grounds for punishment—we’ll fight to ensure you are treated fairly and with dignity.
Take a Stand in Atlantic City
You should never have to choose between your natural identity and your career. If you’ve been mistreated due to your hairstyle or grooming choices, the law is on your side.
Atlantic City Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are ready to help you assert your rights and hold discriminatory employers accountable.
Contact Information
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
